Variations in the Branching Pattern of Facial Nerve

Abstract

The seventh cranial nerve, known as the facial nerve, is situated in the head and neck region and governs the mimic muscles responsible for facial expressions. The anatomy of the facial nerve exhibits variations, a matter of particular interest for surgeons operating in the head and neck areas. Incidents of facial nerve injury during such surgeries are frequent and can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life, potentially leading to facial nerve paralysis. The facial nerve’s main trunk emerges from the stylomastoid foramen which passes through the parotid gland, and divides into upper (temporofacial) and lower (cervicofacial) divisions which further gives rise to five terminal branches: temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, and cervical. A comprehensive understanding of the branching and anastomosis patterns of the facial nerve is of significant importance for the surgeons to avoid inadvertent injury to the facia nerve which has devastating effects.